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I apologize for not posting here for the past number of days. You’ve all been on my heart and in my prayers, I just didn’t make it to the computer for a few days, but here we go with my thoughts on the questions for Thursday:

Listening and Learning: Ruth 3:1-18

1. Why do you think Naomi is taking the responsibility to find Ruth a provider?It was the role of the parent to find a spouse for their child, in those times.

2. What might be the differences, if any, between a provider and a husband?I think that anyone can be a provider- someone who provides the essentials for survival like food and shelter. A husband’s role includes this, but more. Intimacy on an emotional and physical level is a bit more than a provider in the sense of ‘family redeemer’ would be, in my thinking. That would be reserved for a husband.

3. Read verse 3 again. Naomi seems to have specific intentions for Ruth. How might this fit with the responsibilities of a “family redeemer.”Perhaps, in her own way, Naomi is taking on the role of ‘family redeemer’ as well? Preparing Ruth to meet their ‘family redeemer’ and Ruth’s future husband. In a way Naomi is Ruth’s ‘family redeemer’ as well.

4. Ruth has a reputation in town of being a virtuous woman. How would we describe the character qualities of a virtuous woman? This makes me think of Proverbs 31 where the virtuous woman are listed:1. Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31)2. Marriage – A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. (Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28)3. Mothering - A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6)4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17)5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20)6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18)7. Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31)8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27)9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27)10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25)

Wow. I wrote so much, my comment has to be split into two. Here is my answer to question #5:

5. What virtuous characteristics do we see in Boaz?Unfortunately there isn’t a Proverbs 31 for men, but there sure are examples throughout the bible of a virtuous man and I believe that Boaz possessed each one of these virtues.1. He is a SAVED man(Psalm 32:2)Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.2. He is a GOD-FEARING man(Acts 10:1-2) There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.3. He is a STUDENT of the Scriptures(2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.) 4. He LOVES GOD'S WORD(Psalm 119:165) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.5. He OBEYS GOD'S WORD(Psalm 37:31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.6. He is a man of PRAYER(Psalm 77:2) In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.7. He WORSHIPS God(Genesis 24:26) And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.8. He PROVIDES for himself and his family (2 Thessalonians 3:10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.9. He LEADS his family(Genesis 18:19) For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.10. He SERVES the Lord(Joshua 24:15) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.